Vacuum attachment for blinds

ABSTRACT

A novel vacuum attachment for vacuuming planar elements of varying widths is provided. The attachment comprises a hollow member having a first end adapted for attachment to a vacuum cleaner hose and a second end having one or more elongate apertures formed therein and adapted for receiving a planar element. Each elongate aperture comprising a pair of parallel arms having a hollow interior with opposing and facing openings, each opening being in communication with the elongate aperture and with the first end. The aperture is sufficiently long to accept a relatively wide planar element. The attachment further comprises adjustment means for selectively adjusting the effective length of the aperture which enables the attachment to accommodate planar elements of varying widths. In a preferred embodiment, the length adjustment means comprises a sliding member slidably positioned over the second end for selectively blocking a longitudinal portion of the aperture.

FIELD OF THE INVENTION

[0001] The invention relates generally to a cleaning device and more particularly to a nozzle attachment for a vacuum for cleaning differing widths of slats and other planar elements.

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION

[0002] When cleaning dust, dirt and other debris from planar elements, such as Venetian blind slats, louvers, jalousies, and ceiling fan blades, there exist a variety of slotted, or slit, vacuum cleaner attachments to assist in the process. For example, slit attachments for cleaning of Venetian blinds and the like are well known in the vacuum cleaner art, including U.S. Pat. Nos. 2,608,710, 3,520,018, and 4,756,050. Likewise, slotted attachments exist to aid in the cleaning of ceiling fans, including U.S. Pat. Nos. 5,765,259 and 6,345,409.

[0003] However, all of these devices lack the ability to adapt to differing widths of slats, louvers, jalousies or blades. To deal with the problem of differing width of such planar elements, these devices may come in a range of slot sizes; a user having to purchase differently sized devices appropriate for each width of slat. Alternately, the user may use one device, sized towards the wider end of the spectrum, and apply it to both wide and narrow slats. However, in such a case the suction power around the narrow slat is significantly reduced due to the slot being oversized.

[0004] What is needed is a vacuum attachment adaptable for cleaning differing widths of slats and other planar elements and capable of focusing the suction power around the planar surfaces of the slat, regardless of its width.

SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION

[0005] A novel vacuum attachment for vacuuming planar elements of varying widths is provided. The attachment comprises a hollow member having a first end adapted for attachment to, and communication with, a vacuum cleaner hose and a second end having one or more elongate apertures formed therein each adapted for receiving a planar element. Each elongate aperture comprises a pair of parallel arms having a hollow interior with opposing, facing openings, each facing opening being in communication with the elongate aperture and with the first end. The elongate aperture is adapted to accommodate planar elements of varying widths. The attachment further comprises adjustment means for selectively adjusting the effective length of the aperture. Adjustment of the aperture's effective length enables the attachment to accommodate planar elements of varying widths thereby focusing the vacuum's suction power across the planar surfaces of the planar element.

[0006] In a preferred embodiment, the adjustment means comprises a sliding member slidably positioned over the second end. The sliding member moves or slides axially, relative to the hollow member, so as to selectively block the passage of air through a longitudinal portion of the aperture and thereby adjusting the effective length of the aperture. Preferably, preset means, for retaining the sliding member at any of a number of preset aperture blocking positions, are provided. More preferably, venturi-like bumps on the sliding member act to increase the velocity of air as it passes into the hollow member, thus enhancing the localized suction near the planar element when it is engaged by the attachment.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

[0007]FIGS. 1a-1 d are perspective views of one embodiment of the invention;

[0008]FIGS. 2a and 2 b are top views of the invention according to FIGS. 1a-1 d with a preferred embodiment of the aperture length preset means;

[0009]FIGS. 3a and 3 b are perspective views of another embodiment of the invention wherein the sliding member has venturi bumps;

[0010]FIG. 3c is a front view of the embodiment of FIG. 3b; and

[0011]FIGS. 4a and 4 b are perspective views of a third embodiment of the invention, illustrating multiple apertures.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENTS

[0012] With reference to FIGS. 1a-1 d, one embodiment of a vacuum attachment 10 for a vacuum cleaner is illustrated. The attachment 10 comprises a unitary, elongate hollow member 12 and a shorter sleeve-like sliding member 14 therearound. The hollow member 12 has a tubular first end 12 a adapted for attachment to a vacuum cleaner hose or wand (not shown) and a second, bifurcate end 12 b, adapted for supporting the sliding member 14 and for receiving planar elements or slats 15. The tubular first end 12 a has an opening 12 c for communication of the member's hollow interior with the vacuum cleaner hose (not shown).

[0013] The bifurcated end 12 b further comprises a pair of parallel, axially extending arms 16 a, 16 b having a hollow interior with opposing, facing openings 17 a, 17 b, forming an axially elongate aperture 18 therebetween. The openings 17 a, 17 b are in communication with the interior of the hollow member 12 for the passage therethrough of air from the aperture 18 to the vacuum cleaner hose (not shown). Accordingly, the vacuum's suction power is directed through the openings 17 a, 17 b and across the aperture 18. Preferably, the arms 17 a, 17 b are profiled to create opposing venturi chambers, thereby enhancing the vacuum's effect adjacent the opposing surfaces of the slat 15.

[0014] The elongate aperture 18 has a length adapted for receiving a relatively wide slat 15 a (FIGS. 1a, 1 c) and is therefore also capable of receiving a relatively narrow slat 15 b (FIG. 1b). Preferably, the width of the aperture 18 is only slightly larger than the thickness of the slat 15 so as to concentrate the vacuum's suction over the planar surfaces of the slat 15.

[0015] The sliding member 14 is slidably positioned over the hollow member's second end 12 b (FIGS. 1a, 1 b). The sliding member 14 slides axially, in a direction A relative to the hollow member 12, so as to selectively block the passage of air through a longitudinal portion of the aperture 18. The sliding member 14 is thereby able to selectively adjust the effective length of the aperture 18. Preferably, aperture length preset means 20 retains the sliding member 14 at any of a number of preset aperture effective lengths.

[0016] In this embodiment, the hollow member's second end 12 b is narrower than the first end 12 a and has a flat profile, thereby restricting the axial movement of the sliding member 14 towards the first end 12 a at about point B. Other designs of the second end 12 b and sliding member 14 are equally suitable as long as the effective length of the aperture 18 remains selectively adjustable. For example, the flat profile of the second end 12 b may be changed to a tubular profile, with the sliding member 14 profiled accordingly.

[0017] In this embodiment the sliding member 14 is a collar. Alternatively, in another embodiment, the sliding member 14 can be replaced by a pair of sliding panels or other such adjustment means mounted on, or engaged with, the second end 12 b for adjusting the effective length of the elongate aperture 18.

[0018] Referring now to FIGS. 2a and 2 b, the attachment 10 with a preferred embodiment of the aperture length preset means 20, is illustrated. The preset means 20 comprises an internally facing protrusion 22 on the sliding member 14 and a plurality of transverse notches 24 spaced axially at regular intervals along the second end 12 b of the hollow member 12. During operation, the protrusion 22 engages one of the notches 24 thereby retaining the sliding member 14 at one of the preset aperture blocking positions and setting the length of the aperture 18 to a preset aperture effective length.

[0019] The dimensions of the protrusion 22 and notch 24 are sufficiently large to keep the sliding member 14 at the preset aperture blocking position during normal cleaning operation. However, the dimensions of the protrusion 22 and notch 24 are sized so as allow the member 14 to be manually slid from one preset position to the next without compromising the member's ability to selectively block air flow through a portion of the aperture 18 and without undue force needing to be applied to slide the member 14. The protrusion 22 can be formed of resilient material to enable the protrusion 22 to flex in and out of the notches 24. In this embodiment, the protrusion 22 is circumferential around the inside diameter of the sliding member 14 and is located at a front end 14 a. Accordingly, the notches 24 are circumferential around the outside of the second end 12 b.

[0020] Operation:

[0021] Referring again to FIGS. 1a-1 b, the bifurcation of the second end 12 b allows the attachment 10 to be slipped over a slat 15 and moved therealong in a sideways fashion C, thereby cleaning the slat 15. The aperture 18 and openings 17 a, 17 b direct the air stream from the surroundings substantially over the planar surfaces of the slat 15 prior to entering the hollow member 12. Any dust and dirt are thereby ducted in the air stream, moving via the interior of the hollow member 12 to the vacuum hose (not shown). Advantageously, the cross-sectional profile of the hollow interior of the arms 16 a, 16 b creates a pair of opposing venturi chambers when a slat 15 is inserted into the aperture 18. Such venturi chambers enhance the vacuum's effect adjacent the planar surfaces of the slat 15.

[0022] When vacuuming a narrow slat 15 b, an adjustment of the effective length of the aperture 18 by moving the sliding member 14 or other such aperture length adjustment means, enables the attachment to adapt to the width of a particular slat 15 a, 15 b. In this manner, the attachment 10 overcomes the prior art problem of oversized slots being utilized with narrow slats and the associated reduction in suction power. In fact, by adjusting the effective length of the aperture 18 for a narrow slat 15 b, the attachment 10 further concentrates the vacuum's suction power around the planar surfaces of the narrow slat 15 b thus improving cleaning.

[0023] Second Embodiment:

[0024] With reference to FIGS. 3a-3 c, another embodiment of the sliding member 14 is shown. This embodiment of the sliding member 14 is like that described for FIGS. 1a-2 b, but further comprises a pair of opposing venturi bumps 30 a, 30 b. The venturi bumps 30 a, 30 b are located on the circumferential protrusion 22 of the preset means 20 so as to project into the aperture 18. As air is drawn past the venturi bumps 30 a, 30 b, due to the suction produced by the vacuum, the velocity of the air is increased creating additional suction and an eddy-like movement to the air. This additional suction and air movement assists in dust and dirt removal from the planar element.

[0025] Third Embodiment:

[0026] Now referring to FIGS. 4a and 4 b, another embodiment of the attachment 10 is shown. This embodiment is generally like the embodiment of FIGS. 1a-2 b, but the hollow member's second end 12 b is no longer bifurcated. More specifically, the second end 12 b is forked, comprising a plurality of axially extending arms 16 a, 16 b, 16 c having opposing, facing openings 17 a, 17 b and thereby forming a plurality of axially elongated apertures 18 a, 18 b. More specifically, the second end comprises three arms 16 a, 16 b, 16 c and two sets of apertures 18 a, 18 b and openings 17 a, 17 b.

[0027] As with the previous embodiments, the apertures 18 a, 18 b are of sufficient length to receive a relatively wide slat. The sliding member 14 is slidably positioned over the second end 12 b and, like the previous embodiments, slides axially so as to selectively block the passage of air through a portion of the apertures 18 a, 18 b. Preferably, the attachment 10 of this embodiment also comprises aperture length preset means 20. More preferably, the attachment 10 further comprises venturi bumps (not shown) on the sliding member 14.

[0028] While the invention has been described with reference to several preferred embodiments, it is to be clearly understood by those skilled in the art that the invention is not limited thereto. Rather, the scope of the invention is to be interpreted only in conjunction with the appended claims. 

The embodiments of the invention in which an exclusive property or privilege is being claimed are defined as follows:
 1. An attachment for a vacuum cleaner hose comprising: a hollow member having a first end adapted for attachment to, and communication with, a vacuum cleaner hose and a second end having one or more elongate apertures formed therein and each adapted for receiving a planar element having a width equal to or shorter than the elongate aperture, each elongate aperture comprising a pair of parallel arms having a hollow interior with opposing and facing openings, each facing opening being in communication with the elongate aperture and with the first end; and adjustment means for selectively blocking at least a longitudinal portion of the elongate aperture for adjusting an effective length of the elongate aperture wherein the elongate aperture is adapted to accommodate planar elements of varying widths.
 2. The attachment of claim 1 wherein the adjustment means further comprises a sliding member movable along the parallel arms and over at least a longitudinal portion of the elongate aperture.
 3. The attachment of claim 2 wherein the sliding member comprises a collar slidable over the arms.
 4. The attachment of claim 2 wherein the sliding member further comprises a pair of opposing bumps projecting into the aperture.
 5. The attachment of claim 2 further comprising preset means for retaining the sliding member at any of a number of preset elongate aperture blocking positions.
 6. The attachment of claim 2 wherein the planar elements are blinds.
 7. The attachment of claim 1 wherein the hollow interior of the arms is profiled so as to create opposing venturi chambers along the opposing openings when the planar element is inserted into the aperture.
 8. The attachment of claim 4 wherein the sliding member comprises a collar slidable over the arms.
 9. The attachment of claim 8 further comprising a plurality of transverse notches formed along the arms and the collar has a complementary protrusion for engaging a notch as the collar is positioned along the arms.
 10. The attachment of claim 1 comprising one pair of parallel arms for forming one elongate aperture adapted for receiving a planar element.
 11. The attachment of claim 1 comprising three parallel arms forming two pairs of parallel arms for forming two elongate apertures each adapted for receiving a planar element.
 12. An attachment for a vacuum cleaner hose comprising: a hollow member having a first end adapted for attachment to, and communication with, a vacuum cleaner hose and a second end having a plurality of arms, a plurality of apertures having opposing facing openings for simultaneously accepting a plurality of planar elements therein; and adjustment means for selectively blocking at least a longitudinal portion of the elongate apertures for adjusting a effective length of the elongate apertures wherein the elongate aperture is adapted to accommodate planar elements of varying widths.
 13. The attachment of claim 12 wherein the adjustment means further comprises a sliding member movable along the plurality of arms and over at least a longitudinal portion of the elongate apertures.
 14. The attachment of claim 13 wherein the sliding member comprises a collar slidable over the arms.
 15. The attachment of claim 13 wherein the sliding member further comprises a pair of opposing bumps projecting into each aperture.
 16. The attachment of claim 13 wherein the sliding member comprises a collar slidable over the arms.
 17. The attachment of claim 16 further comprising a plurality of transverse notches formed along the arms and the collar has a complementary protrusion for engaging a notch as the collar is positioned-along the arms.
 18. A method of cleaning planar elements comprising: providing a vacuum attachment having a hollow member with a first end adapted for attachment to, and communication with, a vacuum cleaner hose and a second, bifurcate end having opposing, facing openings forming an elongate aperture for accepting a planar element therein, and adjustment means for selectively adjusting an effective length of the aperture so as to accommodate planar elements of varying widths; moving the vacuum attachment along the surface of the planar element; and drawing air through the effective length of the aperture over the planar element so as to duct dirt into the vacuum.
 19. The method of claim 18 further comprising; positioning adjustment means along the bifurcate end, and over at least a longitudinal portion of the elongate aperture for adapting to the width of the planar element. 